Two patterns of packing two different circles of the same size are shown here. For each structure (c) determine the type of two-dimensional lattice (from Figure 12.4). (i)



(ii)

Key Concepts

Two-Dimensional Lattices

A two-dimensional lattice is a regular arrangement of points in a plane, where each point represents the position of a particle, such as atoms or molecules. The arrangement can be characterized by its symmetry and the shape of the unit cell, which is the smallest repeating unit that defines the entire lattice structure. Common types of two-dimensional lattices include square, rectangular, and hexagonal lattices.

Crystalline Structures

Crystalline structures are ordered arrangements of atoms or molecules in a solid, resulting in distinct geometric shapes. In two dimensions, these structures can be visualized as patterns of circles or spheres that represent the particles. The packing efficiency and arrangement of these particles determine the properties of the material, such as density and stability.

Packing Efficiency

Packing efficiency refers to the fraction of volume in a crystal structure that is occupied by the particles, compared to the total volume of the unit cell. It is a crucial concept in understanding how tightly particles are packed in a lattice. Different packing arrangements, such as close-packed or simple arrangements, lead to varying packing efficiencies, influencing the physical properties of the material.